*** Missing Hiker on Grouse Mountain, B.C. Canada ***

24th November 1996
Task # 973155

Lions Bay Search & Rescue were called to assist the North Shore Rescue in
their search for a 36 year-old local hiker who had been reported missing
on Grouse Mountain, British Columbia, Canada.

The search centered around the popular 'Grouse Grind' a steep trail that
follows the chairlift from the parking lot to the summit. Despite an all-
night search in low visibility and wet snow the hiker had not been
located by 0600 hours, when Lions Bay Search & Rescue were called to
provide assistance.

At daybreak fresh teams were despatched to the major and minor trails in
the region while an RCM Police helicopter searched the creekbeds up to
the 1000m cloud ceiling. A Sound Sweep was conducted by all the field
teams while a police dogteam worked its way up some of the major
creekbeds.

By 1200 hours a number of 'sightings' in this busy hiking area had not
produced any positive leads and further mutal aid was requested from
Coquitlam Search & Rescue, to assist in expanding the earch area. Type
2 searching was also initiated in the very steep forest either side of
the 'Grouse Grind'.

The subject was reported to have a recent history of fairly serious back
injury, which increased concern for his safety and the urgency of the
search. The local radio and TV media brodcasted news of the search
throughout British Columbia, this has has often helped gather tips from
other hikers who were in the region at that time.

At 1300 hours a phone call was received from the subject 'somewhere in
Vancouver'. He reported that he had returned from his hike yesterday but
had failed to notify his father of his safe return. When he heard of the
ongoing search through the local media he immediately placed the phone
call to stand down the search.

The subjects father greed to meet with the search managers and when the
phone call had been verfied the search was terminated.

Martin Colwell,

Lions Bay Search & Rescue